A Step-by-Step Protocol for Manual Reduction and Splint Immobilization of Distal Radius Fractures.
Zekai Qu, Zhixian Gong, Yantao Guo et al.
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Case in brief
A 53-year-old woman presented with a dorsally displaced fracture of the left distal radius. Before reduction, radiographs showed a volar tilt of approximately -15° and radial inclination of approximately 1.74°. After manual reduction and immobilization with volar, dorsal, radial, and ulnar splints, immediate radiographs showed a volar tilt of 11.4° and radial inclination of 17.7°. At 6 and 15 days, radiographs showed that alignment was maintained, with volar tilts of 11.7° and 11.4° and radial inclinations of 15.8° and 15.2%, respectively.
What made this case unusual
The article presents a structured, step-by-step visual protocol for directing reduction forces and applying four-splint immobilization, illustrated by short-term radiographic maintenance of alignment in a representative case.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
For acute distal radius fracture reduction, the described protocol emphasizes sustained longitudinal traction with countertraction, restoration of radial length, correction of translation and angulation, and secure four-splint immobilization.
Why it matters
A single representative case demonstrates procedural feasibility and short-term alignment maintenance, but does not establish comparative effectiveness, safety, superiority, or generalizability.